Gay in rochester

Rochester, NY Gay City Guide

Rochester lies in the heart of Western New York, situated on the shore of beautiful Lake Ontario. With a population of over , people, it is the third-largest urban area in New York. It’s often highly ranked as a very livable capital, a wonderful place to raise a family, and as a very LGBTQ-friendly place to live.

A See at Rochester’s History

The area that is now Rochester was founded by Colonel Nathan Rochester. It was officially incorporated as “Rochesterville” in , and its name was shortened to Rochester five years later. Rochester is often called both the “Flour City” and the “Flower City,” because as it began to grow in the mids, the town had a thriving mill industry and a profitable seed trade as successfully. Since its founding, Rochester has continued its growth and is today a major manufacturing center, residence to many corporations, tech companies, and other businesses – not to bring up having a thriving arts and culture scene, and consistently being ranked as a wonderful city for families. Truly, Rochest

LGBTQ+

All are welcome in Rochester, NY! With a loaded history of civil rights, it shouldn't come as a shock that Rochester is among the most welcoming, LGBTQ-friendly metro areas in the U.S., previously ranked 11th in Advocate&#x;s Gayest Cities in America list. It's also one of the most culturally abundant. Rochester has also previously received a perfect score of from the Human Rights Campaign.

Tucked between Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes wine region, the tradition of dignity for all runs serious here. Susan B. Anthony's home, a National Historic Landmark, still stands in Rochester and is unseal to the public. Frederick Douglass established his abolitionist newspaper, The North Star, here. The first statue in the country honoring an African-American still stands in Highland Park. 

From locally-owned coffee shops and restaurants, to nightlife, art, culture, shopping and more, investigate all that Rochester&#x;s vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community has to offer. 

Festivals & Events 

  • Rochester Pride: Held annually in July, signature Pride events

    The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

    Location
    College Ave, Rochester NY,
    Phone
    Wheelchair Accessible
    Yes
    Email
    Website
    Facebook

    The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is the primary advocate for the local LGBTQ Communities. In December of the organization that was founded in moved to a new location on College Ave and opened the Rochester LGBTQ Resource Center. In addition to staff offices the Resource Center includes a Cyber Center, Education Center, Conference meeting room and an Art Gallery.

    Their newspaper is the The Void Closet.

    Throughout the year they sponsor a variety of programs and events, including:

    • Pride Parade

    • Red Ball

    • Ride for Pride

    Awards

    • Voted "Best Local Activist Group" in Capital Newspaper's 'Best of Rochester' Awards in 1

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      As of April , the Board has announced that they are closing the Resource Center, the Empty Closet has ceased to exist. As small space still exists pn College Ave, but, it seems that

    Guide To Pride in Rochester NY

    Each year, Pride celebrates the accomplishments and history of the LGBTQ+ community. Produced by Trillium Health, Rochester Pride is one of New York State's largest pride festivals north of New York Noun. This year, as always, Rochester Pride encourages the community to be right to themselves, find inspiration from icons in the LGBTQ+ community and employ every color of the spectrum to highlight individuality and diversity.

     

    Note: While Pride is nationally celebrated in June, Rochester, NY honors Pride Month in July every year. See below for some of the many Pride festivities happening in Rochester.

     

    PRIDE IN STEM CELEBRATION

    July 2 | Rochester Museum & Science Center

    Discover the science of rainbows with live science demonstrations, shop at RMSC's Queer-Owned/LGBT-friendly Bazaar, and enjoy live harmony and entertainment from local performers and groups.

    PRIDE CELEBRATION DAY

    July 10 | The Memorial Art Gallery

    Celebrate at the MAG's annual day of acceptance, community, learning, and love! Enjoy free m